Random Building

1980 – Central Bank of Ireland, Dame Street, Dublin

Architect: Stephenson Gibney & Associates

Another one of Sam Stephenson’s buildings that was to attract a lot of criticism both for its height and original roofline (in contravention of the Planning Permission) and for its brash appearance in Temple Bar. The Central Bank is a highly assertive building with a bold outline and dramatic styling. It is visible from throughout the city centre but particularly in Temple Bar where narrow streets and gaps between buildings can reveal its strong geometric presence. Originally after construction the roof was highly distinctive with its support members outside of the roof surface. After problems with rain water, this was redesigned and remodeled with copper cladding covering up the roof structure.

It is an unusual building for its time in regard to structure. The floors are all suspended from the twin service cores at 12 support points by the steel trusses visible on the facades. During construction each floor was built at ground level and then hoisted into place with all its service equipment and fittings in place.

Internally the offices are lit by floor to ceiling glazing which helps give the buildings its bold striped appearance.

Originally the old Commercial Buildings next door were at 90 degrees to their current position but the building was demolished during construction and a new facsimile built on the site to contain ancillary facilities.